From May 13 to 22, 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) held the 12th session of its Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) in London, United Kingdom. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Joris Brouwers (Kingdom of the Netherlands) with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez attending and delivering both the opening and closing addresses.

China’s delegation participated in the session through a combination of in-person and virtual attendance. The delegation included representatives from the Maritime Safety Administration of the People’s Republic of China, the China Maritime Search and Rescue Center, China Classification Society, China Waterborne Transport Research Institute, Dalian Maritime University, the China Transport Telecommunications and Information Center, relevant regional maritime administrations and navigation support centers, as well as the maritime affairs team at the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

The Chinese delegation participated constructively in the discussions, achieving its set objectives during the session.

First, the meeting reviewed and approved the draft revision of the Performance Standards for BeiDou Satellite Navigation System (BDS) Shipborne Receiver. This marks a key step toward the wider adoption of BeiDou terminals in international maritime operations, creating favorable conditions for the high-quality development of the BeiDou system.

Second, China successfully advanced the review of the draft revision to the World-Wide Radio Navigation System (WWRNS) resolution, a proposal in which it played a leading role. The updated draft clarifies the recognition procedures and requirements for radio navigation augmentation systems, laying a solid foundation for the application of the BeiDou Satellite-Based Augmentation System (BDSBAS) in the global maritime sector.

Third, in cooperation with Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and others, China promoted the inclusion of the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) in relevant IMO conventions and regulatory frameworks. The session finalized draft amendments to Chapter V of the SOLAS Convention, as well as performance standards and operational guidelines for VDES, providing regulatory support for the development of China’s VDES industry and enhancing its international competitiveness.

In addition, the session reviewed a range of key topics, including the Maritime Digital Broadcast (NAVDAT) manual, the data distribution and interoperability framework for S-100 series products, guidelines for the maintenance of shipborne navigation and communication equipment software, and guidance on the use of electronic nautical publications.

Going forward, China will take on key roles including serving as coordinator of the correspondence group for the revision of performance standards for gyrocompasses. It will also continue to actively monitor and contribute to key agenda items such as the data distribution and interoperability framework for S-100 series products, performance standards for shipborne radionavigation receivers with satellite-based augmentation, and the transitional plan for digital VHF voice communications, delivering more Chinese solutions and expertise to the international maritime community.